"Shorebirds"

20x20" oil on canvas

Here's a recent experiment that worked out better than I thought it would. The goal was to work really fast and do my best just to think of colors and shapes. It can be overwhelming painting complicated scenes on a larger canvas. I approached this subject without expectations, I just tried to be spontaneous and see what came of it. It may have a few problems but there's something I like about it so I figured I'd post it.

In other news, the John Natsoulas Gallery in Davis, CA hosted their 22nd annual paint out on Saturday. I paid my entrance fee a few weeks in advance but seriously considered sitting this one out since rain was predicted. I wasn't sure I wanted to wake up early and drive 100 miles, paint all day in the rain, and then drive another 100 miles home again at 10pm when the event ended. However, while eating dinner and watching Bob Ross reruns on YouTube the night before, I had a change of heart. I'm glad I decided to go, I met a lot of nice people, saw some great art and ended up winning first place. The rain made it a rough day though, you can check out some pictures here.